Committee questions Ministers on strategies for batteries and fuel cells
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee hears from Ministers in the final public evidence for its inquiry into the role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving net-zero.
The Committee has heard evidence over the course of almost three months, examining in detail the UK’s battery and fuel cell sectors. At this final meeting, the Committee will question officials and Ministers about the key issues that have been raised in evidence.
Central to the inquiry is the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans. The Committee will ask whether the UK can secure the critical materials and supply chains to manufacture enough batteries and fuel cells to supply the automotive industry.
Members will first of all ask officials about current policies to promote research and industrial expansion. The Committee will then question Minister Trevelyan from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Minister Maclean from the Department for Transport about the UK’s ambitions for batteries and fuel cells, and its ability to provide the necessary support and attract the necessary investment.
Meeting details
Possible topics
- Whether the UK will be ready for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans
- Whether the UK can secure critical materials and build supply chains for vehicle manufacturing
- Challenges of re-skilling the auto industry for the transition to low-carbon vehicles
- Exploiting wider applications of batteries and fuel cells
- Importance of research and development for improved technologies